Bangkok: Thailand has been ranked 17th in the latest Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026 report, moving up significantly from its previous position at 72nd in 2022, highlighting its rising vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Pirun Saiyasitphanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, shared insights from the CRI 2026 report by Germanwatch, which utilizes a 30-year database to assess global impacts of extreme weather events.
The report revealed that Thailand’s long-term risk has also increased, positioning it 22nd compared to 30th in 2022. Over the past three decades, more than 9,700 extreme weather events have impacted approximately 5.7 billion people worldwide, leading to over 832,000 fatalities and economic losses surpassing US$4.5 trillion. Heatwaves and storms have been identified as the primary causes of death, while floods and storms have accounted for the most significant population impact and economic losses, respectively.
Thailand, despite its relatively higher development status compared to many low-income nations, continues to suffer considerable damages from extreme weather. Notably, Hat Yai in Songkhla Province experienced unprecedented rainfall, with daily maximums reaching 350 millimeters, an anomaly not seen in 300 years, causing substantial damage. To address these challenges, the Thai government has prioritized climate change response, focusing on rapid installation of early warning systems and promoting a low-carbon society with the aim of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The Department of Climate Change and Environment is actively working on implementing the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NAP) across all levels, collaborating with key agencies, the private sector, and civil society. Efforts include enhancing disaster warning systems, managing urban and rural water resources, and promoting adaptation measures in public health, agriculture, and infrastructure. The department is also developing a Thailand-specific Climate Change Risk Index (CRI) to aid in policy planning and risk assessment.
Additionally, the government is accelerating the passage of the Climate Change Act to strengthen adaptation capacity and raise awareness, aiming to better equip the nation and its citizens to handle the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the future.